George James

DNR Warns of Statewide Fire Danger

Be incredibly careful burning things outside. That’s the message from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. After an unusually dry spring, summer rains look to be few and far between. Most areas of Michigan are at risk of extreme fire danger.

Paul Rogers, fire prevention specialist with the DNR, said “Although there have been scattered rains, rainfall is below normal and it’s dry out there. People cause the vast majority of wildfires, so it’s critical to use common sense and be careful.”

With the state opening back up and people celebrating summer holidays with fireworks, camping trips, and outdoor activities, simple precautions are in order.

Throwing cigarettes out a car window or onto the ground at any time is a bad habit, but a common one. Don’t do it. Many forest fires are caused by discarded cigarettes.

If pulling a trailer or camper, be aware of dragging chains that can cause sparks and set off a brush fire. Also, if riding off-road-vehicles, stick to the trails, as hot engines can also cause brush fires.

Finally, be especially careful with fireworks. Never shoot them into woods, dry grass, or shrubs, and put used sparklers into a bucket of water.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Blue Water Race Series Gets Started this Weekend

The Blue Water Race Series kicks off its second season this weekend with the Artful Dodger Race in St. Clair. The Race Series consists of six running races that span June to December of this year. Those who participate in all six events not only have a major athletic accomplishment to be proud of but can earn a commemorative jacket.

The races in this year’s series include summer, fall, and winter runs. The summer races start with the St. Clair Artful Dodger this weekend and the Algonac Pickerel Run on the 4th of July. The fall races are the P.S. You’re My Hero run in Port Huron on September 19th and the Run for Recovery in Port Huron on October 9th.

November brings the Friendsgiving Tyler Kreitler Memorial Run in Marine City, and the Jingle Bell Run in Port Huron.

Runners get to choose between 5k and 10k options for most races. There are usually one-mile walks as well.

To get more information about the Blue Water Race Series, visit the following link to the website or check out Blue Water Race Series Facebook page.

https://bwrs.enmotive.com/

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Whitmer, Legislature Could Pay People to Get Back to Work

Time to get to work, Michigan. Governor Gretchen Whitmer has asked the legislature to ramp up incentives for people to get off of unemployment and get back to earning a paycheck.

The “Back-to-Work Incentive” could expand to give a $300 per week bonus to those who were laid off and are now returning to work. The incentive could last through September 4th of this year. The federal subsidy that adds another $300 per week to unemployment checks is being used as an incentive to fill the jobs that employers are scrambling to fill.

Susan Corbin, Acting Director of the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, said, “Expanding the incentive would allow Michigan to take advantage of even more federal dollars flowing into our state to support local businesses and grow our economy.”

Corbin went on to say, “The program offers employers of all shapes and sizes the flexibility to address their specific business needs and an expansion would provide even greater work schedule flexibility for everyone as we work to defeat COVID-19 together.”  

The Back-to-Work Incentive could apply to new hires as well as former workers who have been collecting unemployment during the pandemic. 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

International Organization Chooses Michigan Law Enforcement Officer for Bravery Award

Michigan State Police Trooper Mark Fletcher was selected as the 2020 International Association of Chiefs of Police/Motorola Solutions Trooper of the Year for the North Central Region. The Michigan State Police just released the details of the recognition.

The incident for which Fletcher was recognized was a hostage situation in Comstock Township, near Kalamazoo. A family was confronted by an armed intruder and a resident of the home was taken hostage. A shot was fired and troopers entered the home only to be shot at through the floor and walls. Three officers were shot, including Fletcher.

Fletcher administered first aid to an injured officer while injured himself and applied a tourniquet to his own leg. The gunman was captured by police.

Colonel Joe Gasper, director of the Michigan State Police said, “Trooper Fletcher’s bravery while under fire and his concern for others over himself is admirable and in keeping with the highest standards of our profession. His selfless and courageous actions are what we hope to instill in our troopers when they find themselves in such harrowing circumstances.”

A virtual ceremony was held this year to honor the finalists.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Grand Opening of Black History Exhibit Saturday

The Port Huron Museums’ Carnegie Center is hosting the Grand opening of the “From Whence We Came: Black History in the Blue Water Area” exhibit on Saturday, June 19th, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The Grand Opening coincides with Juneteenth. 

Juneteenth honors June 19th, 1865, when slaves in Texas were finally freed under the terms of the 1862 Emancipation Proclamation. 

The Grand Opening of the new “From Whence We Came” permanent exhibit includes a book signing of the first 100 copies of the book that inspired the exhibit. The books are expected to sell out, so it is recommended to get there early to get a copy. 

The permanent exhibit tells the story of Black History in the Blue Water Area and features the James Sr. & Marguerite Stanley Legacy Wall. The wall honors those who have followed the call to “love your fellow man” and have contributed positively to the Blue Water Area. 

A donation to the Museum is all that is needed to gain admission. Live entertainment is planned. 

Museum Juneteenth “From Whence We Came” Exhibit Grand Opening: https://www.facebook.com/events/507108970318317

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Policies Enacted to Prevent Elder Abuse

June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month. The Elder Abuse Task Force was launched in 2019, consisting of more than 55 different organizations from the public, private, and non-profit sectors.

Michigan’s Attorney General, Dana Nessel, said, “In order to properly protect our aging population, we must be able to recognize the signs of abuse. Our Elder Abuse Task Force has a number of resources available online to help identify physical and emotional abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of seniors.” 

Legislation was recently signed into law to protect seniors. House Bill 4325, introduced by Republican State Representative Matt Hall, amends the Older Michiganians Act to require Area Agencies on Aging to maintain criminal background checks on anyone who comes in contact with vulnerable seniors.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer said, “When we work together, we can craft great legislation that makes a difference in the lives of Michiganders. House Bill 4325 codifies important protections for seniors that MDHHS implemented in October 2020.”

To report elder abuse, call 855-444-3911. 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland